Container for a fluid product

ABSTRACT

A container for a free-flowing product, in particular typographic correction fluid, includes a tubular neck with an application aperture with a valve closure for the controlled application of metered quantities of the fluid to a substrate. The container remains, over an extended period, perfectly capable not only of applying spots of fluid precisely at a given point but also of applying the fluid over large areas. This is achieved by fitting the container with a second tubular neck with a second aperture and fitted with a removable closure cap with an integral applicator brush. Both tubular necks are disposed in the upper part of the container in such a way that the far end of the tubular neck with the application aperture projects out beyond the cap when the cap is in place over the second aperture.

BACKGROUND

1.0. Field of the Invention

This invention relates generally to a container for a fluid product,more particularly for typographic correcting fluid.

2.0. Discussion of the Related Art

A pen-like container of the type in question for correcting fluid isalready known. With a correcting pen of this type, it is possible inprinciple to apply correcting fluid very precisely to a substrate,generally paper. The valve closure ensures that the correcting liquidonly flows out when the tip of the correcting pen is applied undersufficient pressure to the substrate. However, it has been found inpractice that correcting pens of the type in question often do not worksatisfactorily because the ball valve closure easily becomes blocked, sothat satisfactory outflow of the correcting fluid is no longerguaranteed, and as a result is not sufficiently tight when not in use sothat the correcting fluid can easily dry, making the correcting pentotally unusable. Another disadvantage is that, with a correcting pen ofthe type in question, considerable effort is required to coat largeareas with correcting fluid.

Accordingly, relatively small bottle-like containers with a screw-onclosure cap provided with an integrated brush-like applicator have alsolong been known for coating relatively large areas. Although it ispossible with containers of this type to apply white or coloredcorrecting fluid to paper over a relatively large area, precisionapplication is not possible. Accordingly, different containers have tobe kept available according to the particular application.Unfortunately, none of the hitherto known solutions provides a containerwith which correcting fluid can be precisely applied to a substratereliably over a prolonged period.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, the problem addressed by the present invention is toimprove a container of the type in question to such an extent that notonly precision application of the fluid product, but also applicationover a large area would be satisfactorily possible over a prolongedperiod.

According to the invention, this problem has been solved by a containerof the type mentioned at the beginning which is characterized in that itcomprises a second tube-like projection with a second opening providedwith a removable closure cap with an integrated brush-like applicator,the two tube-like projections being arranged in the upper part of thecontainer in such a way that the free end of the tube-like projectionwith the discharge opening extends freely beyond the closure cap whenthe second opening is closed.

With a container such as this, a fluid product, more particularlycorrecting fluid, can be applied to paper or to any other substrate bothin precision spot-like form and over a large area, even over a prolongedperiod. In effect, it has surprisingly been found that, in contrast toknown correcting pens, the valve closure of a container designed inaccordance with the invention has no tendency to block because, throughthe opening of the second opening in use, the container is oftenventilated with the result that no reduced pressure can build up in thecontainer over a prolonged period. At the same time, diluent may also beintroduced into the container through the second opening should thisprove necessary when the container is in use over a prolonged period.Another major advantage is that, with one and the same container,correcting fluid can be applied to a substrate both precisely inspot-like form and over a large area, satisfactory handling of theusually small container being guaranteed by the special arrangement ofthe two openings relative to one another. In addition, the presentcontainer can be repeatedly reused after complete emptying by thereintroduction of correcting fluid through the second opening from astorage bottle. In addition, the arrangement of the two openings on thesame side of the container enables the fluid product to be appliedthrough the discharge opening without flowing out from the secondopening, even when it is open.

In one particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, the twotube-like projections are arranged at an acute angle to one another, theangle between the two tube-like projections preferably being between 20°and 40°. By virtue of this arrangement, it is possible with particularadvantage to solve the ergonomic problems involved in handling smallcontainers of the type in question because this arrangement providesboth for satisfactory precision application by the application tip inthe manner of a ball-point pen and also for removal of the product bymeans of the brush-like applicator.

An ergonomically advantageous embodiment of the invention is that, inthe standing position of the container, the tube-like projection withthe discharge opening has a vertically extending longitudinal axis whilethe second tube-like projection is correspondingly laterally aligned.

The second opening with the brush-like applicator inserted therein iseffectively sealed by a elastic seal between the brush-like applicatorinserted into the second opening and the inner wall of the secondopening. If the elastic seal is formed by lips which taper conicallydownwards and is fixedly connected to the second opening, it has theadditional advantage of preventing the fluid from flowing out, even whenthe container is inclined obliquely downwards. The product is thusprevented from flowing out when the user applies the fluid to thesubstrate through the needle-like discharge opening, but has forgottento replace the closure cap with the integrated brush-like applicator inthe second opening. In spite of this, the fluid does not flow outthrough the second opening in this case.

In another advantageous embodiment of the invention, the needle-likedischarge opening is designed to be closed by a cap formed with aninspection window. The user is thus readily able to monitor the variousfunctions of the needle-like discharge opening and the brushlikeapplicator. There is no need for any printing or for specialinstructions as to which cap to remove for which purpose.

In another embodiment of the invention, the container has at least twoopposite flat side walls. The user is readily able to deform thecontainer walls and, in this way, to increase the supply of fluid to theneedle-like discharge opening.

The handling of the container is significantly improved in anotherembodiment by providing the outer wall of the container with profiledhandling aids, for example in the form of ribs or even bulges orindentations.

A ball designed to move freely inside the container provides forthorough mixing of the fluid.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The invention is described in more detail in the following withreference to the accompanying drawings on an enlarged scale, in whichlike items are identified by the same reference designation, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a cross-section through a first embodiment of the containeraccording to the invention.

FIG. 2 is a longitudinal section through the container shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a cross-section through a second embodiment of the containeraccording to the invention without any closure caps.

FIG. 4 is a longitudinal section through the container shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6 is a longitudinal section through the container shown in FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is the same longitudinal section as FIG. 6 showing theneedle-like discharge opening, hereinafter also referred to as "needle",in use.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A container according to the invention for a fluid product, moreparticularly correcting fluid, is denoted by the reference 1 in FIGS. 1and 2. At its upper end, the container 1 comprises a first tube-likeprojection 2 which, in the embodiment illustrated, tapers towards itsfree end and preferably comprises two encircling snap beads 3, 4.

The first tube-like projection 2 is arranged in such a way that itslongitudinal axis 5 extends vertically when the container is in itsstanding position.

A substantially conical application tip 6 is snapfitted or force-fittedonto the first tube-like projection 2, the application tip 6 in itsfitted position comprising grooves which correspond to the snap beads 3,4 but which have not been provided with their own reference numerals inthe drawing. In addition to the grooved region 7 which externallysurrounds the first tube-like projection 2 and which is adapted to theouter contour thereof, the conical application tip 6 is preferablyprovided on its inside with an annular projection 8 which protrudeslocally into the tube-like projection 2 and has a sealing effect.

Formed centrally in the front free end of the application tip 6 is athroughflow opening 9 which opens into a needle-like point 10, forexample of metal, which at its broadened cylindrical base 11 is firmlyinserted into an annular receiving groove arranged coaxially of theopening 9 at the free end of the application tip 6. The needle-likepoint 10 is closed by a spherical cap 12 with a valve spring 13, thearrangement being such that, when the needle-like point 10 is applied toa substrate, the spherical cap 12 is pressed inwards into theneedle-like point against the pressure of the spring 13, releasing anannular discharge opening so that correcting fluid is able to flow outfrom the container 1 through the first tube-like projection 2, theapplication tip 6 and the needle-like point 10 via the discharge openingon the lines of a ball-point pen.

Although not shown in the drawing, the first tube-like projection 2could also be differently constructed, i.e. in such a way that a valveclosure is directly associated with the tube-like projection 2. If thetube-like projection 2 were constructed in this way, there would be noneed for the additional parts (application tip 6 and needle-like point10).

A first closure cap 14 may advantageously be fitted onto the tube-likeprojection 2. In the embodiment illustrated, the first closure cap 14 isin two parts, i.e. comprises a conical insert 15 in addition to theactual closure cap 14. For firmly joining these two parts, the firstclosure cap 14 is internally provided with an annular projection 16 withretaining grooves 17 into which the conical insert 15 with correspondingretaining beads is introduced. The conical insert 15 is otherwisedesigned in such a way that, when the first closure cap 14 is inposition, the insert 15 sealingly surrounds the application tip 6. Inaddition, the insert 15 is provided with an encircling snap bead 18which engages in a corresponding snap groove formed in the applicationtip 6. This ensures that the container 1 is tightly closed when thefirst closure cap 14 is in position.

It is crucial to the design of the container 1 in accordance with theinvention that it is additionally provided with a second tube-likeprojection 19 which is designed to be tightly closed by a second closurecap 20. To this end, the second tube-like projection 19 has an externalscrewthread 21 while the second closure cap 20 has a correspondinginternal screwthread 22 so that the second cap 20 can be screwed on andunscrewed. The second closure cap 20 is provided with an integratedbrush-like applicator 23, the tip of the brush being denoted by thereference 24. The brush-like applicator 23 is suitably fixed to thesecond closure cap 20. In the embodiment illustrated, the brush-likeapplicator 23 widens tubularly towards the second closure cap 20 (region25) and, in addition, is surrounded by a tube-like element 26 which actsas a seal and, primarily, as a product stripper and as a centering meansfor the bristles of the brush. In addition, it acts as a valve againstthe escape of fluid in the absence of the brush or in the event ofoverturning of the container 1. The tube-like region 25 is suitablyfixed to the second closure cap 20. The second closure cap 20 ispreferably provided, for example internally, with an annular extension27 between which and the outer wall of the second closure cap 20 thetube-like region 25 is force-fitted, screwed, welded or bonded.

The arrangement of the second tube-like projection 19 in relation to thefirst tube-like projection 2 is such that, when the second closure cap20 is in position, the free end of the needle-like point 10 of the firsttube-like projection 2 extends beyond the second closure cap 20 to suchan extent that the fluid is able to flow out freely from the needle-likepoint 10. At the same time, the arrangement is such that the secondclosure cap 20 can readily be unscrewed to enable correcting fluid to beremoved from the container 1 and applied to a substrate by thebrush-like applicator 23. To this end, the two tube-like projections 2and 19 are preferably arranged at an acute angle a to one another, theangle a in the illustrated embodiment preferably being 30°.

In order further to simplify the handling of the container 1, the outerwall is preferably profiled to form handling aids which, in theembodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, are in the form of ribs 28.

If correcting fluid is to be applied from the container 1 in a small andprecisely measured amount, i.e. in substantially spot-like form, thefirst closure cap 16 is removed so that the needle-like point 10 withthe ball valve cap 12 is freely accessible. The point 10 is then appliedto the substrate to be coated in the manner of a ball-point pen. Whenpressure is applied to the spherical cap 12, it moves inwards againstthe pressure of the spring 13 so that a measured amount of fluid flowsout from the container 1. When the point 10 is removed from thesubstrate, the spherical head 12 moves back into the closed positionunder the pressure of the spring 13 so that the discharge opening of thefirst tube-like element 2 is closed again. The first closure cap 16 isthen replaced to improve the sealing effect.

If, a relatively large amount of fluid is to be removed, the secondclosure cap 20 is unscrewed and fluid is removed from the container 1 bythe brush-like applicator 23, 24. Because the second closure cap 20 isperiodically unscrewed, no reduced pressure can build up in thecontainer 1, as is the case with known correcting pens, so that thespherical cap 12 cannot become blocked, but instead workssatisfactorily. In addition, fluid or even diluent can be introduced asand when necessary through the opening in the second tube-likeprojection 19.

FIGS. 3 and 4 show another embodiment without closure caps and withoutan application tip fitted to the first tube-like projection 2. The maindifference between this embodiment and the previous embodiment lies inthe shape of the container, the region 1a below the first tube-likeprojection 2 being flat while the region denoted by the reference 1bbelow the second tube-like projection 19 being more cylindrical. Inaddition, the profile-like handling aids in this embodiment are in theform of partly spherical bulges 28a in the region 1a.

In principle, the container could of course be differently designed. Itis essential that two different outlet openings are provided and areergonomically arranged in such a way that, despite the small anddifficult-to-handle container 1, the fluid can be satisfactorily appliedthrough the particular opening.

The third embodiment of the invention is described in the followingreference to FIGS. 5 to 7.

The device consists of a closed container 31 which is provided with animpervious base 32 and adjoining side walls 33, the upper wall 34 abovethe base being stepped. The upper part 34' of the upper wall is formedwith an opening 35 of which the shape is determined by an upwardlyprojecting neck 36 (FIG. 6).

Arranged on the neck 36 of the opening 35 is an upwardly taperinginjection-molded part 37 on which a needle-like discharge element 38 isdisposed. The injection-molded part 37 is formed underneath with anannular channel which is designed to receive the neck 6 of the opening9. To obtain a snap-action coupling, the neck is provided with aprojection 39 which engages in a corresponding recess 40 in theinjection-molded part 37.

In addition, in the illustrated embodiment, the outer contour of theupper wall 34' is stepped at 41. The narrow projecting part 42 of theupper wall is also provided with a projection 43 which engages in arecess in a downwardly directed overlap 44 of the injection-molded part37. A double snap-action coupling is formed in this way for firmlyfixing the injection-molded part 37 on the container 31.

The needle-like discharge element 38 is fixed in known manner to theinjection-molded part 37, as is a depressible needle 45 which is pushedby a spring 46 into the sleeve of the discharge element 38 and which isconnected by the channel 47 in the upper part of the injection-moldedpart 37 to the hollow chamber 48 of the injection-molded part. Thechamber 48 merges underneath with the interior of the container 31.

A cap 50 with an outer part 51 and an inner part 52 can be applied tothe injection-molded part 37. The inner part 52 comprises a moldingwhich cooperates with the injection-molded part 37, the projection 53providing for a snap-action coupling with the part 37. The outer part 51fits over the injection-molded part 37 and, from the linear guide,merges flush with the outer wall 33 of the container 31.

The cap 50 has a transparent part 54 through which the needle 45 can beseen, even when the cap is in position.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 5 to 7, the upper wall 34 isadditionally provided with a shoulder 34" which forms an angle with theupper part 34'. Formed in the shoulder 34" is a second opening 60comprising an insert 61 which has a downwardly directed cylindricalregion and a flexible spring member 62 arranged therein.

A male threaded neck 63 for receiving a female threaded cap 64 is also.arranged on the second opening in the shoulder 34" of the container 31.Fixedly arranged on the cap 64 is the base 65 of a handle 66 for a brush67.

When the cap 64 is unscrewed, it entrains the base 65 so that the brush67 is removed from the container 31.

The container 31 contains a mixing ball 68 which moves freely in thecontainer in known manner and provides for thorough mixing of the fluidV.

The side walls of the container are provided with ribs 69 which may beused as an indication to the user where to apply finger pressure toapply the fluid to the substrate from the container via the needle 45.

The embodiment shown in FIGS. 5 to 7 is used as follows, starting fromthe position shown in FIG. 6, the user has the choice of using theneedle 45 or the brush 67.

In the first case, the user removes the cap 50 to expose the needle 45.He may then turn the container 31 in such a way that the needle can beapplied to the paper P in FIG. 7. When the needle 45 is depressed, thefluid flows from the container 31 via the channel 47 onto the paper P.

When the needle 45 is removed from the paper P, the flow of fluid isautomatically interrupted by the needle 45 being pressed outwards by thespring 46 and shutting off the outflow opening. Alternatively, the usermay opt to use the brush 67. To this end, the user unscrews the cap 64from the neck 63, entraining the handle 66 with the brush 67 (FIG. 5).

The use of the brush 67 for spreading is known. After use, the userreturns the brush to the container 31 in the reverse sequence.

The handle 66 or rather the brush 67 is positioned in such a way that itextends substantially perpendicularly beneath the opening 35. In thisway, the brush 67 remains in the fluid V of the container despite thegradual fall in the fluid level through use.

An effective seal between the handle 66 and the insert 61 is achieved bythe elastic spring member 62. The spring member 62 perform a secondfunction, i.e. they retain the fluid V when the device is used in theposition shown in FIG. 7. The user may forget to return the handle 66with the brush 67 into the insert 61 so that liquid could flow out fromthe insert 61 through the second discharge opening. To overcome thisdisadvantage, the elastic spring member 62 is sufficiently flexible andits lower ends taper conically so that the opening is almost completelyclosed.

Although various embodiments of the invention have been shown anddescribed herein, they are not meant to be limiting. Those of skill inthe art may recognize certain modifications to these embodiments, whichmodifications are meant to be covered by the spirit and scope of theappended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A container for a fluid product, comprising:afirst tube-like projection with a discharge opening having a needle-likeactuator projecting therefrom for operating an internal valve closurefor the controlled, measured application of the fluid product to asubstrate; a second tube-like projection with a second opening providedwith a removable closure cap with an integrated brush-like applicator;and wherein in the standing position of the container, the first andsecond tube-like projections are arranged in an upper part of thecontainer in such a way that the free end of the first tube-likeprojection with the discharge opening extends upward, relative to abottom of said container beyond the closure cap when the second openingis closed.
 2. A container as claimed in claim 1, wherein the twotube-like projections are arranged at an acute angle (α) to one another.3. A container as claimed in claim 2, wherein the angle (α) between thetwo tube-like projections is between 20° and 40°.
 4. A container asclaimed in claim 2, wherein in the standing position of the container,the tube-like projection with the discharge opening has a verticallyextending longitudinal axis, and the second tube-like projection iscorrespondingly laterally aligned.
 5. A container as claimed in claim 1,further including an elastic seal between the brush-like applicatorinserted into the second opening and the inner wall of the secondopening.
 6. A container as claimed in claim 1, wherein the needle-likedischarge opening is designed to be closed by a cap provided with aninspection window.
 7. A container as claimed in claim 1, furtherincluding at least two opposite flat side walls of the container.
 8. Acontainer as claimed in claim 1, wherein the outer wall of the containeris provided with profiled handling aids.
 9. A container as claimed inclaim 1 further including a ball designed to move freely inside thecontainer.